MSU-Moorhead tops Augustana (S.D.)

Driscoll scores his 1000th career-point for the Dragons

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Minnesota State-Moorhead remain perfect in its 81-76 win against No. 14 Augustana (S.D.) at the Elmen Center. The Dragons' win moves them to 9-0, 5-0 in the NSIC, while the Vikings drop to 8-2, 5-1 in the NSIC. Minnesota State- Moorhead senior Jake Driscoll joined the 1000-point club in the victory.

The Dragons played from behind the majority of the first half, as Augustana (S.D.) went on an 11-0 run to start the game, and led by as many as 12 during the opening half. During this stretch, the Dragons had 5 turnovers and many opportunities to score, but went 0-for-8 from the field, and 0-for-4 from the three-point line. The Dragons did not make a field goal until Jake Driscoll found Alex Novak down low with 11:06 remaining.

Other Top-25 Scores

No. 6 Colorado Mines 73, Chardon State 65

No. 9 West Liberty 85, Eckerd 75

West Virginia Wesleyan 64, No. 13 Indiana (Pa.) 57

No. 20 Bowie State 79, Roberts Wesleyan 67

No. 21 Northern Kentucky 98, Salem International 53

No. 24 Arkansas Tech 89, West Florida 85

The Dragons went on a 20-10 run at the end of the first half, as the Dragon three-point shooters found their marks. Driscoll started the scoring with his history-making three-pointer, followed by Jordan Riewer's three on the next possession to cut the deficit 24-17. Charlie Chapman put together a run of his own, drilling a three right in front of the Augustana (S.D.) bench, and then converting a fast-break layup off a Riewer steal.

The most electric play of the half came with one minute remaining. As Riewer hit a deep three, Jimmy Johnson was fouled away from the shot. Johnson converted both free throws for a five-point play, giving the Dragons their first lead of the game at 35-33.

The second half saw neither team taking more than a five-point lead. This was exemplified as the two teams matched three-point shooting at the eight-minute mark. After two made DJ Hamilton free throws, Leif Nomeland hit an open three-pointer from the left corner. On the next possession, Riewer found Lindfors for three. Chapman followed the next possession with another wide open three to move the Dragons up 65-62.

At 1:42 remaining, Lindfors faked a three at the top of the key and found Chapman open for three in the corner. This shot moved the Dragons ahead 74-69, as the Vikings could only resort to fouling every Dragon possession until the end of regulation.